How can foundations with crawl spaces be termite protected before building without pesticides ?

Answer 1

Yes, there are metal shields used under the sill plates and treated lumber to use.

Answer 2

I assume you have a cement or block foundation, with wooden sills. In this case you can use a "termite shield".

This is a light gauge metal sheet that goes over the top of the foundation and sticks out and down to keep termites from building their "tunnels" up the foundation to get to the wood. (They extend down at about 45 degrees for a minimum of 1 inch.)

I note that I learned about these from my father, and I have not seen them mentioned in over 30 years, nor have I seen them used, except on the house I am currently building, which is log on a block foundation. (I don't like pesticides either!!)

MOST sheet metal shops could make these for you. The joints should be soldered so that there is a solid metal barrier with NO breaks.

Answer 3

1) On top of the slab, around the edge, a metal lip can be installed that keeps termites from climbing up.

2) A bit more drastic: use an all metal and plastic construction. No food there, so they don't care. Probably doesn't appeal to you.

3) Stonework and cement walls, floors, and foundation. These can be very beautiful, but even if you do it yourself they're a bit pricey.

Answer 4

Concrete is the obvious answer but if you are using wood as a part of your foundation CCA is the only solution. Contrary to popular opinion, CCA treated lumber is still available. It is still a viable product for certain applications and foundations are one of them. Contact your local lumberyard (if you have a Menards store in your area they can get it for you 'cause they do their own lumber treating) it should be available by special order.
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

any lumber yard sell flashing (termite shield) just overlap them about 8" and you don't need to solder